MBLC Celebrates 125 Years

1935

Boston Public Library postcard, circa 1930s.

The Board of Free Public Library Commissioners developed and maintained a lending library for libraries across the state. It consisted of three collections: the general collection of adult non-fiction, books for foreign-born readers in 32 languages, and books for elementary school students. The total number of circulating books for 1935 was 22,473; eighty percent of the public libraries in the state borrowed or more items in that year.1

On opening day at Braves Field, the aging baseball icon Babe Ruth proved his worth when he singled off Giants ace pitcher Carl Hubbell and helped to win the game for Boston (4-2). Despite the strong start, the rest of his final season went downhill quickly. In June, after his 714 career home run, the Babe officially announced his retirement.2

This website, and other programs of the MBLC, is funded in part with funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a federal agency that fosters innovation, leadership, and a lifetime of learning.